This post was written as part of a campaign sponsored by the Role Mommy Writer’s Network. Incentive was provided to me, and opinions are my own.

Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner, and I can’t think of a better reason to party, especially right before summer comes rolling along, than to celebrate the freedom and democracy Mexican-Americans achieved during the first years of the American Civil War.

Growing up, I remember being taught about Cinco de Mayo and Mexican culture in school and celebrating the holiday in a way that can only be accomplished in a classroom: themed decorations and music and everyone bringing in Mexican dishes from home for a classroom potluck. It was always a really great time, but since then, I have not celebrated Cinco de Mayo very often. However, as an adult, give me a reason to sip a margarita and I will take it!

If you are planning a family-style Cinco de Mayo celebration, I have recipe and craft ideas for you that will keep it simple without sacrificing fun or flavor. After all, you want to enjoy every aspect of your party and look back on it fondly, not wish you hadn’t bothered because you’re up to your eyeballs in a mess that takes hours to clean up.

When I think of Cinco de Mayo, and Mexican food in general, I think of guacamole. My fiance would gladly eat guacamole as part of all of his meals everyday for the rest of his life, so when I saw this mango tomatillo guacamole recipe from Food Network celebrity chef Ingrid Hoffman, I knew I had to share, and I am so excited to give it a try myself.

Directions:

Mash the avocados in a medium bowl with a fork, leaving them still a bit chunky. Fold in tomatillos, mango, onion, chile, cilantro, and mint. Add the lemon juice and gently mix to evenly distribute the ingredients. Season with salt.

Lay a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the guacamole to discourage discoloring and refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour.

Serve with chips for dipping.

One of the most substantial ways you can save money while planning, decorating, and preparing for a party of any kind is to get crafty instead of purchasing decorative items to set the mood.

Coca Cola has put together some really inventive Cinco de Mayo-themed crafts to make the most of your #CokeFiesta, including printable pennants that can be strung up around your party space, balloon stencils that you can use to decorate plain green, white, and red balloons to make them super festive, and a neat taco holder that will keep taco fillings intact and off the floor.

Do you celebrate Cinco de Mayo with your family? If so, what are some of your favorite Cinco de Mayo traditions?

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Holly

Holly is a writer with a penchant for sarcasm, aspiring domestic goddess, and stress baker. She is the founder and editor of Woman Tribune, and lives in rural Northeastern, Pennsylvania with her fiance and their 5 cats.